Diadophis punctatus
Description: The ring-necked snake gets its name from the distinctive, light yellow or orange ring around the neck. The coloration of the ring contrasts sharply with the dark gray or black back of this snake. The belly of the ring-necked is either yellow or orange, often with a row of black spots running down its center. Ringnecks from the Coastal Plain usually have incomplete rings around their necks.
Feeding/Diet: Ring-necked snakes feed on a variety of prey, including earthworms and salamanders. They may paralyze prey using toxins in their saliva that is not harmful to humans.
Habitat/Range: Ring-necked snakes are often forest dwellers, usually living within rotting logs or in leaf litter. They can frequently be found in flowerbeds.
Reproduction: Ring-necked snakes lay 2–7 eggs during the early summer.
Photo by JD Willson
